Atlético De Madrid – Internazionale: Atlético Sneak Through (2-1, 3-2 After Penalties)
Internazionale showed some of their fluid 3-5-2 system in possession during this game, although were not able to create many clear chances. Atlético De Madrid meanwhile took time to grow into the game with their wing-focused 3-4-3 formation, but eventually were able to build enough pressure to equalize the tie, before winning the resulting penalty shootout.
Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley.
The first leg of this tie saw Internazionale take the initiative against a fairly passive Atlético De Madrid side. After a quiet first half, the Italian side had been able to demonstrate a strong attacking game down the wings in order to finally make their breakthrough after some missed chances.
This left Atlético with the task of making a comeback in the second leg. Diego Simeone lined his side up in a 3-4-3 shape. Stefan Savić, Axel Witsel, and Mario Hermoso formed the back three, while Nahuel Molina and Samuel Lino played as wing-backs. Rodrigo De Paul and Koke were the central midfielders, while Marcos Llorente and Antoine Griezmann supported Álvaro Morata up front.
Inter meanwhile started in their usual 3-5-2 system, with Simone Inzaghi opting for a back three of Benjamin Pavard, Stefan de Vrij, and Alessandro Bastoni. Denzel Dumfries and Federico Dimarco were the wing-backs, while the midfield three consisted of Nicolò Barella, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martínez then started up front.
Inter’s fluid possession
Despite being ahead in the tie, it was Inter who spent most of . . .
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